With the recently elevated discussion regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the news, we want to take time to reinforce preventive safety measures and reference our processes and methods of communication.

It is important to remember that at this time, there have only been a small number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. As a school district, we are closely monitoring the situation. We follow the guidance of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, the Wisconsin Department of Public Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although one case of COVID-19 has been detected in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is currently indicating that the immediate health risk to the general public in Wisconsin, and the U.S. as a whole, remains low.Local health officials are providing us with regular updates and localized information.

Next, please be aware that we have established comprehensive protocols for a range of health-related incidents and situations, including the common cold or flu. Our protocol includes carefully monitoring trends related to illness within our school community. According to protocol, enhanced cleaning procedures including the use of an ultraviolet light tower are applied as needed.

It is important to note that practicing everyday preventive actions is the most effective way of halting the spread of illness or disease. We encourage our students, staff members, and families to be mindful of the key preventive actions listed below. Parents and guardians, please reinforce these practices with your child.

We will continue to communicate with families directly if there are concerns related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Executive Director of Student Services Rachel Fellenz or District Nurse Jess Jost.

Because the situation is quickly evolving, the best way to stay informed is through the Wisconsin Department of Public Health website or the CDC website. Following are some useful links for accessing more factual information about COVID-19.

If children are sick, they should not be at school. Students need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to class after any illness. Please refer to the health guidelines outlined on our district website. Keeping children home when they are sick is critical to limiting the spread of disease or illness.

Please remember to call your child's school office if they will be absent due to illness. When you call your child’s school office, be prepared to describe their symptoms so that we can continue to monitor trends within our school communities.

Everyone needs a reminder now and then! In addition to adult and student conversations, our schools have age-appropriate visuals in key locations to help remind students and adults of safe practices, like hand-washing and covering coughs or sneezes.

Please feel free to contact Executive Director of Student Services Rachel Fellenz or District Nurse Jess Jost if you have questions.